April 3, 2020
Update - Florida Dept. of State, Division of Cultural Affairs
NEA Funding:  in recognition of the arts’ $877 billion contribution to the U.S. economy and a source of 5.1 million American jobs, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will distribute $75 million in funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Learn more about those distributions here.
As additional details become available from the NEA, the DCA will be using data from the Americans for the Arts Survey as part of the process to determine how funds should be equitably distributed throughout the state. You may wish to fill out this survey.
Some 2019-2020 grantees may need to make changes to your grant award agreement in light of the current circumstances.  DCA has created a tutorial for you that may be helpful - https://youtu.be/-kHEfG1sqrU

March 31, 2020
CITY, VYSTAR ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR LENDING PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Multimillion Dollar Program Will Offer Support to Employers Impacted by The Novel Coronavirus
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, March 31, 2020 — The City of Jacksonville and VyStar Credit Union are collaborating on a loan program to assist local small businesses affected by the COVID-19 response. The City’s contribution to the Small Business Lending Program will be between $20 to $30 million, which will be used to provide a combination of grants, interest payments and potential aid toward the principal of the loan, with some elements tied to employee retention.
“This partnership with VyStar Credit Union will help small businesses and employees impacted by COVID-19 stay on their feet,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “I am grateful for VyStar’s collaboration and look forward to working with my colleagues on City Council to pass this urgently needed support for our citizens.”
Brian Wolfburg, President/CEO of VyStar Credit Union, said: "Since our founding in 1952, VyStar has been committed to the City of Jacksonville and to its people. Whether in times of prosperity or times of need, our commitment has never wavered when it comes to our members, our neighbors and our communities. Today, that commitment takes the form of much-needed funds to help keep small businesses operating, nonprofit and cultural organizations thriving, and people working. We know the fundamentals that have always made Jacksonville and Northeast Florida great are unmovable, and when we overcome this, it will be because we were stronger together. At VyStar, we Believe in Better, and partnering with the City to provide expanded and expediated economic relief for entities suffering from the impact of COVID-19 is simply better.”
More details will be shared following finalization of the legislation.

March 27, 2020
President Trump signed the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act"
​(the CARES Act) 
Below are some highlights pertaining to cultural organizations. 

• Funding for relief has been included for the NEA
  • The Cultural Council will apply for any funding available for           sub-granting.
• Nonprofits will be able to apply for Small Business Administration loans through approved private lenders.  In some instances, if used for certain purposes, these loans will be converted to grants and will not have to be repaid.
• Provisions also include payroll tax relief, expanded unemployment benefits that include independent contractors
• Changes to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Loans can be made based solely on credit scores. Loans available to all non-profits, including 501(c)(6)s. Loans below $200,000 can be approved without a personal guarantee.-

There are additional important relief provisions for nonprofits. To review the Council's two-page summary, available here.
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/sites/default/files/documents/cares-act-analysis.pdf

March 27, 2020
News from City of Jax via - C.M. Michael Boylan, Cultural Council’s liaison to Jacksonville City Council.
-The city is focused on COVID-19.  He will ask the Mayor to include nonprofits in any city-provided relief to small businesses.
-The 2020-2021 budget timeline and revenues could be affected by the situation.  In particular sales tax revenues are expected to be down.
-All city meetings suspended until April 6; after that the Governor has lifted Sunshine-related restrictions so that City Council can meet virtually
Ryan Ali, Chief of Sports and Entertainment for the City of Jax and a Cultural Council board member, reports that all city-sponsored events through April have been officially cancelled.  No determination has yet been made for events past April.

March 27, 2020
Stimulus Package
-Funding for relief has been included for the NEA
-The Cultural Council will apply for any funding available for subgranting
-Nonprofits will be able to apply for Small Business Administration loans through approved private lenders.  In some instances, if used for certain purposes, these loans will be converted to grants and will not have to be repaid.
--Provisions also include payroll tax relief, expanded unemployment benefits that include independent contractors
--Changes to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Loans can be made based solely on credit scores. Loans available to all non-profits, including 501(c)(6)s. Loans below $200,000 can be approved without a personal guarantee.

March 18, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act – New Federal Paid Leave and Other Requirements Impacting Employers